ARIEL Theatrical is putting on a musical performance of The Hobbit next month. The press release states "This will be the culmination of our most successful program here on Main Street, the three-week summer conservatory. More than 50 children and two dozen staff and crew members will recreate Tolkien's inspiring story..." They didn't provide any information on what script (if any) they are working from for this.

I had look at the picture of the 'priceless' postcard on Beren's website.

I agree that it is not from Lin Carter and looking at the text it could be from any one of Tolkien's friends or acquaintances.

The date on the stamp appears to the 9th July 1968 and the first line is "I have been thinking of you a lot hoping everything has gone as well as could be expected in the most difficult circumstances."

I had a look at Hammond's Tolkien Companion and Guide (Chronology) for this period to see what the writer could be consoling Tolkien about.

Quite a lot happened in Spring and Summer of 1968 to Ronald and Edith. They moved from Sandfield Road in Oxford to Bournemouth/Poole at the time of the post-mark on the card.

Tolkien broke his leg on the 17th June and and had an operation and received a lot of sympathy cards from well-wishers, of which this is one.